Turtleneck Sweaters

"What to Pair With a Turtleneck Sweater and How to Accessorize it"

Mock-Turtleneck Tunic/ Macy's

A turtleneck sweater doesn't have to be a boring garment. It may look a little too sophisticated, stiff, plain, it's basically something a teacher or an old office lady would often wear.. Well, that's what I and many of the kids in the 5th grade associated turtleneck sweaters with.

However as I grew older I realized the important role a turtleneck had on a person's style and not least wardrobe. It's a convenient sweater type that keeps your neck warm and takes away the hassle of wasting time on wrapping a scarf around the neck when you're late for work or school. Not to mention that it's an inexpensive and basic clothing that keeps you covered on job interviews, office work and even meetings. We all do need to look a little classy and lady-like, right?

Anyway, that was before I discovered the magic of layering. Given the right accessories and clothes combined with a turtleneck sweater you can turn it into a super-chic and great-looking outfit! I want to share with you on how it's done. This page will give you all fashion tips and advice on how to accessorize and how to wear turtleneck sweaters stylishly!

Turtleneck sweaters are so versatile that they can work with almost all color combinations, styles and occasions. You'd be surprised of how good it can look if you just think outside the box.

Tips:

• If you have a wide and/or round face, pull your hair up in a ponytail, add a pair of long earrings and a pendant necklace to elongate your face shape. A turtleneck tends to emphasize the round/wideness.
• If you have a short neck, focus on solid dark colored turtlenecks to elongate your shape. To create an illusion of a longer neck, add a long necklace that forms a deep V-shape below your chin, vertically along your bust
• For variety pick other exciting turtleneck styles such as cowl neck, mock neck, tunic or dress length.

For more detailed tips please see fashion advice-section on how to select your best womens sweaters.

Now let's take a look at a couple of examples on how to style a plain black turtleneck. These outfits are chic and trendy, yet a little classy:

How to Spruce Up Your Turtleneck Sweaters

The old way:

Pair it with dress pants and black office pump shoes.

For a finishing touch, add a skinnybelt around the waist band. For a pinch of glitz, I would personally wear a brown skinny belt with a small gold buckle.

The new way:

Swap up the standard dress pants with trendy wide leg high waist pants (or jeans if your office work dress code is more on the casual side) and high heel pumps with a crocodile texture.

Top it off with a simple skinny belt, add a more interesting dimension with a beautiful statement necklace and/or bracelet.

The old way:

A tailored turtleneck covers your upper part-- drawing attention to where skin is showing. So take advantage by adding a touch of sexiness -- pair it up with a short black satin skirt a pair of black ankle or knee-high boots. The shiny skirt will add a new dimension to a monochromatic outfit.

If you're shy about your legs, disguise them in sheer black or glossy tights! For a chic fall outfit you can add wool tights in the mix.

For a finishing touch, throw on a layered chain necklace or a beautiful silk scarf.

The new way:

Purchase a slightly fitted black tunic length turtleneck sweater or dress.

Combine it with sexy lace tights and black dress shoes with a little bit of a platform heel.

Now wrap a gorgeous wide leather belt around the waist and if you like , add a pair of hoop earrings and/or bangle bracelets in the mix.

The old way:

This is a very safe outfit combo.

Combine skinny jeans with the sweater along with a big scarf or pashmina shawl.

Top it off with simple brown knee high boots or cute flats.

The new way:

Layer the sweater with another knit garment - a vest! Do not button it, it will only defeat the whole point of the look, making it look matronly. Instead let it flow loosely - the point is to look casual yet chic.

Add a pair of trendy flat ankle boots or plain flats.

And then finish the outfit with a long pendant necklace and/or oversized cocktail ring.

How to Accessorize a Turtleneck Sweater

Examples are:

• Wear your favorite necklace -- examples are: long pendant necklace, colorful beaded necklace, pearl necklace, layered necklace
• Swap up the necklace with a gorgeous silk scarf -- let it hang loose, the ends flowing loosely on your bust
• Pull up your hair and show off a pair of beautiful earrings -- examples are: large pearl or diamond (or cubic zirconia) stud earrings, fashion hoop earrings, long chandelier or drop earrings
• If you want to draw attention to your hands and lower body, add an interesting bracelet -- examples are pearls, chain, crystal, bangles and beaded bracelet.

Need help with determining your clothing personality? See on Guide to Finding & Determining Your Personal Fashion Style.

If you're the eclectic and laidback kind of girl, then go for layered necklaces, multiple bangles and/or colorful scarf.

If you're the glamorous type, large gold or silver jewelry with crystals like cubic zirconia or diamonds will display that.

The choice is yours!

Back to Top

• The Basics of Achieving Great Personal Style
• Shopping & Style Guide to Womens Skirts
• Womens Casual Tops
• Guide to Putting Together Stylish Outfits